Guinazu joins Toulouse

Top 14 side boost depleted front row with 'medical joker'

Toulouse have brought in Eusebio Guinazu to bolster their front-row in response to a string of absences at the French club.

The former Argentina international, who can play at either prop of hooker, has joined the Top 14 side as a 'medical joker' - a player allowed to join a professional squad in France to replace an injured player.

Toulouse are already missing props Jean-Baptiste Poux, Gurthro Steenkamp and Census Johnston plus hooker William Servat, who are on World Cup duty.

And the subsequent loss of missing South African prop Daan Human who has been ruled out for three months with an arm injury, forced the club to act.

"Following the serious injury to Daan Human, Toulouse began the search for a prop," the club said in a statement.

Twist of fate

"It must be said that this twist of fate, combined with the absence of several major players to the World Cup left us little choice.

"Hence we settled on Eusebio Guinazu who signed for the club on Tuesday and has already taken part in his first training session."

Guinazu, who played with Super 14 outfit the Stormers in 2010 has previous experience of playing in France, with stints at Toulon, Agen and Biarritz.

The 29-year-old, who has made 14 international appearances, played for the Pumas in their 34-10 bronze medal victory over France at the 2007 World Cup.